South East Berkshire Gang Show team looking to raise cash to revamp its wardrobe

The cast of the South East Berks Gang Show. The group has started fundraising to revamp its wardrobe section.

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An annual Gang Show which has led to hundreds of friendships, and even a marriage, is fundraising to revamp its costume department.

The South East Berkshire Gang Show, which has brought together Scout and Guide groups since 1971, has organised a series of events in the run-up to its February show.

Sandra Sidey, part of the Gang Show management team, said: “It gives a lot of kids a chance to be on stage and promotes team-building as there is a real gang feeling among kids.

“There have been really strong relationships made over the years and a couple have got married.

“We are fundraising for the costume department to keep a good stock of costumes and to improve facilities of the current costume area to prolong the life of the costumes.”

Gang Show participants are holding a fundraising Christmas bazaar and car wash at Pinewood Scout Hut and Leisure Centre from 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

Scouts and Guides will also be carol singing at The Point in Skimped Hill Lane, on Saturday, December 14, with a time to be confirmed.

Youngsters have been rehearsing at the Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, since September, working towards a show at South Hill Park Arts Centre during half term from February 17 to 22.

Mrs Sidey, who also plays flute in the band for the show, said: “There will be about 90 on stage and as many involved backstage.

“It is a real confidence-builder, with singing, dancing and acting.

“The older ones look after the younger ones and it is more like a family atmosphere.

“The Gang Show itself is self-funding, so every penny we get from tickets goes straight back into the show.

“But each year we do a bucket collection, and this year we’re going to raise money for the Me2Club, which gives children the chance to join organisations like the Scouts or Guides if they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

“They offer them support such as going along to a meeting once a week.”